The city’s rap ambassador started a food blog, unveiled a coloring book, continued teaching at Rice University, released a new album and popped up at various concerts, big and small, all over the city. He’s either the hardest-working man in town or has a really, really short attention span. less

Bun B

The city’s rap ambassador started a food blog, unveiled a coloring book, continued teaching at Rice University, released a new album and popped up at various concerts, big and small, all over the ... more

Gwendolyn Zepeda
A native Houstonian who has written three... Photo-5550400.75322 - Houston Chronicle

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Zina Garrison

A Houston tennis star, Olympic gold medalist and Wimbledon finalist, Garrison got her big break thanks to a kids’ program in southeast Houston when she was 11 years old. After playing tennis professionally until 1996, Garrison founded her own program to give the gift of tennis to children whose parents may not have the money or resources to enroll their kids in lessons. The Zina Garrison Tennis Academy marked 20 years in November.

Friendswood's Stockman is the first person to be elected to the Texas' brand-new Congressional District 36 and has dubbed himself the "most conservative congressman in Congress." He is not conservative, however, in his approach to Twitter, posting controversial slogans such as "If babies had guns, they wouldn't be aborted." In November, a Chronicle investigation found Stockman had failed to report business ties and details about his income in his Congressional financial disclosure forms. less

Steve Stockman

Friendswood's Stockman is the first person to be elected to the Texas' brand-new Congressional District 36 and has dubbed himself the "most conservative congressman in Congress." He is not ... more

Houston grocer Vuong fled Vietnam when he was 16 years old, went to technical school in Utah and spent a decade fishing in the Houston area before he bought his first grocery store on the city's East Side. He put in all of his savings and worked 16-hour days until he could afford to buy more grocery stores, all in low-income areas of Houston. Today, almost all of Vuong's stores serve low-income areas that without him could become food deserts, meaning the residents would not have access to fresh food. Vuong's sons, David, left, and Bob, help run the family business. less

John Vuong

Houston grocer Vuong fled Vietnam when he was 16 years old, went to technical school in Utah and spent a decade fishing in the Houston area before he bought his first grocery store on the city's ... more

A fourth-grader at The Woodlands Preparatory School, Sudberry is one of the best 9-year-old golfers in the world. In September, she made her film debut in the documentary "The Short Game," which follows eight young golfers competing for the 2012 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship. less

This pair of Houston artists is now in the “art-making” phase of their three-year investigation Shrimp Boat Projects, which explores all the cultural, environmental and economic issues related to the business of shrimp fishing in Galveston Bay. less

Eric Leshinsky and Zach Moser

This pair of Houston artists is now in the “art-making” phase of their three-year investigation Shrimp Boat Projects, which explores all the cultural, environmental and ... more

In a city with an abundance of trendy concepts and restaurants, the king of Houston’s fine-dining scene, Tony’s, remains at the top of the heap after nearly half a century of business. Lunch and dinner, day in and day out, Tony Vallone’s haute spot still draws everyone from foodies and social swells to business tycoons and politicians who love the restaurants pristine Italian food. The restaurateur also has unveiled his latest venture Vallone’s, a steakhouse near Memorial City, which in true Tony flair includes lavish details such as a ferris wheel of meat. Perhaps even more interesting: Vallone, a man of exacting tastes, has entrusted two surprisingly young chefs, Grant Gordon (Vallone’s) and Kate McClean (Tony’s), both of whom are in their twenties, to run his kitchens. Will these disciples help usher the restaurants into the next era? Time will tell. less

Tony Vallone

In a city with an abundance of trendy concepts and restaurants, the king of Houston’s fine-dining scene, Tony’s, remains at the top of the heap after nearly half a century of business. Lunch ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Tony Vallone
In a city with an abundance of trendy concepts... Photo-5550411.75322 - Houston Chronicle

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Brian Ching

Ching will soon retire from the Houston Dynamo. He is the first Hawaiian US men’s national team soccer player. Although he is a Houston import, Ching has become the face of the franchise, and indeed soccer in Houston, and has completely adopted his new hometown. less

Brian Ching

Ching will soon retire from the Houston Dynamo. He is the first Hawaiian US men’s national team soccer player. Although he is a Houston import, Ching has become the face of the franchise, and ... more

Houston billionaires John Arnold, a former hedge fund manager who retired at 38, and his wife, Laura Arnold, are among the top philanthropists in the nation. In October, they pledged $10 million of their own money, independent of their Houston-based foundation, to keep Head Start centers open across the country during the government shutdown. less

Laura and John Arnold

Houston billionaires John Arnold, a former hedge fund manager who retired at 38, and his wife, Laura Arnold, are among the top philanthropists in the nation. In October, they pledged ... more

This Cypress teenager had a No. 1 single just a month after she was crowned the youngest winner of the singing competition reality show "The Voice." She came home to Houston in December to participate in the city's tree-lighting ceremony and and think about becoming a drum soloist. less

Dow and his team have represented more than one hundred death row inmates at every stage of their state and federal appeals. He is also the founder and director of Texas’s oldest innocence project, the Texas Innocence Network, an organization that uses UH law students to investigate claims of actual innocence brought by Texas prisoners.

Dow and his team have represented more than one hundred death row inmates at every stage of their state and federal appeals. He is also the founder and director of Texas’s oldest innocence ... more

Photo: Courtesy Of David Dow

David Dow
Dow and his team have represented more than one... Photo-5550417.75322 - Houston Chronicle

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Michael Economides

The late University of Houston engineering professor Michael Economides told people he was proud to arrive in the United States from Cyprus at 19, on the same day when man first landed on the moon in 1969. Remembered by students and friends for his big personality, he was also one of Houston's leading energy experts. He traveled the world providing expertise on such topics as hydraulic fracturing and geopolitics. Economides died of a heart attack on Nov. 30 while on an international flight from Madrid to Chile. He was 64. less

Michael Economides

The late University of Houston engineering professor Michael Economides told people he was proud to arrive in the United States from Cyprus at 19, on the same day when man first landed on ... more

Michael Economides
The late University of Houston engineering... Photo-5538137.75322 - Houston Chronicle

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Enrique Carreon-Robledo

Carreon-Robledo, artistic director for Opera in the Heights, has almost single-handedly taken a small, developmental opera company and made it a national destination for up-and-coming opera singers performing in a small, intimate setting. To see an OH performance is to see opera as a popular art form, removed from the pomp and palaver of a major company setting and stripped down to its basic elements as a beautiful expression of art and vocal skill. Carreon-Robledo in the past two years has been key in that development. less

Enrique Carreon-Robledo

Carreon-Robledo, artistic director for Opera in the Heights, has almost single-handedly taken a small, developmental opera company and made it a national destination for ... more

After a record-breaking career at UH, the quarterback that everyone in the city was clamoring to see play finally got his shot with the Texans. The Abilene native took the starting QB job on Oct. 20 and added some excitement in what has was a surprisingly (and depressingly) bad Texans’ season. less

Case Keenum

After a record-breaking career at UH, the quarterback that everyone in the city was clamoring to see play finally got his shot with the Texans. The Abilene native took the starting QB job on Oct. ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Case Keenum
After a record-breaking career at UH, the... Photo-5550382.75322 - Houston Chronicle

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Sarah Slamen

In the midst of her State Senate testimony on whether the state's elected leaders are qualified to rule on women's reproductive rights, Slamen was reprimanded and then dragged out of the chambers after announcing "This is my government, ma'am. I will judge you." That's one way to bring your stance on tough issues to the national stage. less

Glassman is the founder of the Houston history website Houstorian.org and an enthusiastic supporter of Astrodome preservation in 2013. In an effort to "promote Astrodome awareness," Glassman ... more

Photo: Bill Olive, For The Chronicle

James Glassman
Glassman is the founder of the Houston... Photo-5550423.75322 - Houston Chronicle

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Omri Casspi

Israeli basketball player Omri Casspi signed with the Houston Rockets for the 2013 season. When he debuted with the Sacramento Kings in 2009, he was the first Israeli to play an NBA game. He was invited to the White House in November for the national menorah lighting ceremony. And, some Houston business owners claim he is the nicest guy on the team. less

Omri Casspi

Israeli basketball player Omri Casspi signed with the Houston Rockets for the 2013 season. When he debuted with the Sacramento Kings in 2009, he was the first Israeli to play an NBA game. He was ... more

When Lorenz, director of the Bayou Land Conservancy, learned a pristine coastal prairie in Deer Park was in danger of becoming a subdivision, she launched a frantic, month-long grassroots campaign to raise enough money to buy the land. Lorenz and other supporters were successful, reaching their goal with hours to spare. And now, Deer Park's population of gophers, meadowlarks and native plants have a permanent place to call home. less

Some people have a less than favorable view of car salesmen and wheeler-dealers. But Jared Lang, the general manager of the recently-opened, largest Audi dealership in the country, seems hell-bent on changing that perception. It isn’t unusual to see Momentum Audi or Lang’s name in the thank-you-to-our-generous-sponsors column in charity gala programs around town, and he is the (ahem) driving force and founder behind Fashion Houston. He makes time for people and organizations and is seemingly everywhere at once – which hasn’t been bad for Audi business, either, as the new Southwest Freeway dealership testifies. Fun fact: Lang debuted the seven-story dealership the same week as Fashion Houston last month. One wonders when he sleeps.
(pictured with Maryam Afshari) less

Jared Lang

Some people have a less than favorable view of car salesmen and wheeler-dealers. But Jared Lang, the general manager of the recently-opened, largest Audi dealership in the country, seems hell-bent ... more

Photo: Dave Rossman, For The Houston Chronicle

Jared Lang
Some people have a less than favorable view of... Photo-5550426.75322 - Houston Chronicle

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Miki Johnson

Catastrophic Theatre resident playwright Miki Johnson, who stirred excitement with the company’s 2012 world premieres of her drama “American Falls” and camp musical “Fleaven,” will have two world premieres at Catastrophic in 2014: “clean/through” in February and “The Economist” in November.
Johnson was in New York last month, meeting with reps of top off-Broadway companies, including The Public, Atlantic Theatre, Clubbed Thumb, Soho Rep and Playwrights Horizons. One result is that another of her new works, “God Is a Good God,” will have a staged reading in New York in spring, helmed by Catastrophic artistic director Jason Nodler.
Johnson and Nodler are partners offstage, as well. less

Miki Johnson

Catastrophic Theatre resident playwright Miki Johnson, who stirred excitement with the company’s 2012 world premieres of her drama “American Falls” and camp musical “Fleaven,” will ... more

Student activist Zack Kopplin of Rice University first made national news fighting against a 2008 law in his home state of Louisiana that made it easier for teachers to use creationist textbooks ... more

Even after his death earlier this year, Michael Brown, the perennially troubled hand doctor who turned carpal tunnel surgery into a multi-million dollar empire, continues to make headlines. The former doctor, who lost his medical license for repeated cocaine use, was the subject of intense media scrutiny after allegations of domestic violence began surfacing more than a decade ago. Brown was legendary for the excesses he was able to afford including two mansions in Houston, luxury sports cars and guns. Four wives and a failing business gave way to endless litigation—for criminal allegations of violence, bankruptcy and lawsuits — marking the troubled 56-year-old’s descent from famed MD to infamous rogue. He died Nov. 8 after being found unresponsive in his posh Miami condo. Creditors, business associates and family continue to fight in court over how his fortune and business holdings will be divided up. less

Michael Brown

Even after his death earlier this year, Michael Brown, the perennially troubled hand doctor who turned carpal tunnel surgery into a multi-million dollar empire, continues to make headlines. ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle

Michael Brown
Even after his death earlier this year,... Photo-5550429.75322 - Houston Chronicle

Quanell X
It would be more newsworthy if community activist... Photo-5550430.75322 - Houston Chronicle

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Morena Roas

By sheer force of will, the up-and-coming local singer has gotten her party track, “Molly Where You At,” spinning at some of the city’s biggest clubs during peak weekend hours. She recently wrapped a video that should drop in December. Roas is comfortable performing at gala events, car shows, fashion show and nightclubs. She’s a star waiting to happen. less

Morena Roas

By sheer force of will, the up-and-coming local singer has gotten her party track, “Molly Where You At,” spinning at some of the city’s biggest clubs during peak weekend hours. She ... more

No. 8 has become the symbol of the Texans’ miserable season and public enemy No. 1 for irate fans as the veteran quarterback has suffered through the worst season of his solid NFL career.

Matt Schaub

No. 8 has become the symbol of the Texans’ miserable season and public enemy No. 1 for irate fans as the veteran quarterback has suffered through the worst season of his solid NFL career.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Matt Schaub
No. 8 has become the symbol of the Texans’... Photo-5550432.75322 - Houston Chronicle

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Dave Wilson

Newly-elected Houston Community College Board Trustee Dave Wilson received national attention for a small, local election when he designed a political advertising campaign that tricked voters into thinking he was black. And he didn't seem too sorry about it, either, the Houston Chronicle's editorial board wrote in November. less

Dave Wilson

Newly-elected Houston Community College Board Trustee Dave Wilson received national attention for a small, local election when he designed a political advertising campaign that tricked voters ... more

Michael Pearce and his husband Matt Burrus let Houston peek in on their lives as new fathers in the blog GaybyBoom. With humor, and courage (they faced a barrage of negative comments and even death threats) they share what it’s like to raise a girl the “new-fashioned way.” This year, they’re happily awaiting the second addition to their family, this time a boy. Not into parenting? Try following Pearce on Twitter. He’s highly entertaining. less

Michael Pearce and Matt Burrus

Michael Pearce and his husband Matt Burrus let Houston peek in on their lives as new fathers in the blog GaybyBoom. With humor, and courage (they faced a barrage of negative ... more

Veteran radio broadcaster "Outlaw" Dave Andrews spent many years with Houston's beloved rock station, KLOL. Now on KPRC 950 a.m. and continues to connect with listeners live from his biker bar, Outlaw Dave Worldwide Headquarters. Andrews works hard to make Houston a better place through charity work such as the Outlaw Dave Ranch Ride, held in conjunction with the Lone Star Rally, and through community-focused spots on his show. less

Outlaw Dave

Veteran radio broadcaster "Outlaw" Dave Andrews spent many years with Houston's beloved rock station, KLOL. Now on KPRC 950 a.m. and continues to connect with listeners live from his biker bar, ... more

Compian is a deeply religious Catholic who has devoted his life to helping those most in need. He has worked behind the scenes successfully in many policy initiatives to help the neediest, including the effort to force the state to change the formula under which billions in disaster aid was distributed after Hurricane Ike, the battle to ensure that public housing was rebuilt in Galveston, and a successful battle to keep the federal government from cutting off aid after hurricane Ike to meet an arbitrary deadline that would have left tens of thousands without needed assistance. He fields calls from those in need and personally makes sure they get help. less

Joe Compian

Compian is a deeply religious Catholic who has devoted his life to helping those most in need. He has worked behind the scenes successfully in many policy initiatives to help the neediest, ... more